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Car rental Kauai, HI

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Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

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Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in Kauai, HI

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Toyota Corolla rental in Kauai, HI on Turo

Rent a car in Kauai on Turo

A car rental in Kauai opens up an island that rewards every detour, from the red-walled ridges of Waimea Canyon to the easy golden stretch of Kalapaki Beach. Fly into Lihue Airport, the nearest regional airport on Kauai Island, and browse rental cars on Turo to match your plans. Here to chase the island's natural beauty, relocating across town, or just need a ride? Book and pick up from the same location.

Kuhio Highway hugs the coastline and links most of the island's best stops, but no road completes the loop, so your own set of wheels changes everything. Wander through the Kauai Museum in the city center, carve west into canyon country, or spend time ticking off everyday errands. On Turo, you choose the car, the rental length, and the pace of your Hawaii adventure.

Kauai car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Kauai is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Kauai, Hawaii, and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

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1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in Kauai, HI (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

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2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.

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3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Kauai, HI! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Rent a car and explore Kauai, HI

Things to do and places to see in Kauai, HI

Beautiful Kauai reveals itself best from behind the wheel. Helicopter tours carve along the Na Pali Coast ridgeline, the Wailua River pulls kayakers into thick jungle interior, and numerous beaches scattered across the south shore stretch out long and golden. A Lihue car rental lets you proceed directly from coastline to canyon across Kauai Island without waiting on a bus driver or someone else's itinerary.

Rent the perfect car
Wailua Falls, Kauai, HI

Waimea Canyon State Park

Rust-red cliffs drop away into deep green valleys across 14 miles of Waimea Canyon State Park, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Head up early for clear skies at the main lookout, then follow signs toward Koke'e State Park at the summit for trails that peer straight down into Na Pali country. The winding canyon road rewards a slow pace, and your own car means every pullout is fair game.

Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail cuts the only land route into the Na Pali Coast, and even the first two miles deliver sheer ocean cliffs and sweeping valley panoramas. Permits and a shuttle reservation are essential, so lock those in early. Park at the designated lot, ride to the trailhead, and spend time tracing the coastline that plunges straight into the Pacific Ocean. The quiet drive south afterward makes for a satisfying cool-down.

Wailua Falls

Twin cascades tumble roughly 80 feet into a misty pool below, and the best part is you never have to lace up a hiking boot to see them. A short drive off the main highway leads straight to the Wailua Falls lookout. It's an easy stop to pair with a morning paddle on the nearby Wailua River or a cruise north along the coast. Roll in early for parking and the softest morning light.

Why Rent a car on Turo?

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Cheap Kauai, HI car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Kauai, HI and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

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Convenient Kauai car rental pick up options

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Kauai, HI, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

Kauai car rentals for any occasion

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Vacation car rental

The Na Pali cliffs, red-dirt canyon lookouts, and golden south shore beaches all sit at the end of a good drive. A vacation rental on Turo lets you pick up at Lihue Airport in something that matches the trip, from a convertible with the top down to an SUV loaded for adventure.

Long term car rental

Not every stay on the island fits inside a week-long itinerary. Remote workers settling in for a season, families mid-relocation, or locals waiting on a new purchase all need something reliable without the rigid timelines. Turo's flexible booking stretches by the week or month across Hawaii, keeping you on the road while the bigger picture sorts itself out.

Wedding car rental

Salt air, plumeria, and a coastline that looks like it was designed for a ceremony. A Kauai wedding deserves an arrival to match. Browse Turo for polished classics or sleek luxury rides, then arrange to collect from a nearby car lot. Arrange for the keys to be left inside ahead of time, so the handoff stays effortless.

Turo car rental vs. traditional rental

Turo

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited selection

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout Kauai

Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Kauai, HI, including Kauai, HI airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Kauai, HI pickup locations include:

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Kauai Airport (Lihue Airport)

A Lihue Airport car rental on Turo keeps pickup simple. Grab your bags from the baggage claim area, then follow the signs toward ground transportation. Unlike traditional car rental companies at an airport car rental counter, Turo allows you to arrange delivery on the airport property or at approved nearby spots. The Turo app has everything you need ahead of your trip, from meeting details to key drop box instructions and any drop off modifications.

Poipu and the South Shore

If the sunny south shore is your first stop, picking up near Poipu saves the drive from Lihue. Many Turo vehicles on this side of the island offer flexible pickup spots near resort areas and popular beaches, so you can proceed directly into your plans. Open the Turo app to select vehicles, view pickup details, and confirm timing before you land.

Kapa'a and the Coconut Coast

Sitting between the north and south shores, Kapa'a puts both coastlines within easy reach. A Lihue car rental picked up along the east side works well if you'd rather skip the shuttle service from the airport and start exploring sooner. Hosts here often meet near main roads or town centers, and the Turo app covers everything from directions past the airline counters to your confirmed pick up point.

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Airport pickup made easy

Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.

Convenient pickup & return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

No lines, no paperwork

Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.

Free cancellation

Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

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Pickup near or at Airports

Top tips for renting a car in Kauai


A little local insight goes a long way on an island where the roads are slow, the views are constant, and the best stops rarely sit on a bus route. These tips will help you navigate beautiful Kauai with confidence, from arrival at the terminal to your last sunset drive.


What are the road rules and driving conditions in Kauai?


Speed limits on the island range from 25 mph in town to a maximum of 50 mph on the main highway, making this one of the most relaxed drives in Hawaii. Handheld phone use behind the wheel is illegal, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and school zones are strictly enforced. Watch for posted airport signs and diamond-shaped markers near any campus.


Kuhio Highway and Kaumuali'i Highway form a U-shaped route that connects most of the island, but no road circles it completely. Traffic builds heading into Lihue in the morning and through Kapa'a in the late afternoon, especially on a business day. The Kapa'a Bypass is a handy three-mile shortcut that can shave 30 minutes off the crawl. Heading north, several one-lane bridges sit between Princeville and Hanalei, where local etiquette is to let five to seven cars cross before yielding.


Rain rolls in fast across the north shore and interior, narrowing visibility on stretches with little shoulder. Drive at a relaxed pace, give yourself extra time before flights, and remember that honking on Kauai is reserved for emergencies, not impatience.


What is parking like in Kauai?


Most beaches and attractions have designated parking areas that are clearly marked and easy to find. Poipu Beach has a large public lot near the shore, Hanalei Bay offers smaller lots along Weke Road, and Waimea Canyon's lookouts have pullout parking at each viewpoint. Popular spots fill up fast on weekends, so arriving early is the best move.


North shore trailheads like Ha'ena State Park require advance parking reservations, and spaces at quieter beaches can be limited. Read posted signage carefully, as some areas do enforce restrictions.


Are there toll roads in Kauai?


There are no toll roads anywhere in Hawaii, including Kauai. Every highway, bridge, and road on the island is free to drive, with no hidden fees to worry about.


Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Kauai?


Gas stations are spread across the island's main towns, with Shell, Hele, and Texaco locations along Kuhio Highway in Lihue and Kapa'a, and additional stations in Koloa and Waimea. Fuel is pricier than on the mainland, and stations thin out past the north shore and up into the canyon, so topping off before a long drive is a smart habit.


You'll find a growing network of EV chargers on the island. Lihue has Level 2 stations at Wilcox Memorial Hospital and the Kauai Marriott, Kapa'a has chargers at Kauai Village and Coconut Marketplace, and the Grand Hyatt in Poipu offers plugs for guests. The network is still expanding, so plan your charging stops and check availability before heading out.


Do I need to rent a car in Kauai?


Public transportation on the island is limited to the Kauai Bus, which runs fixed routes and isn't built for reaching remote trailheads, lookouts, or hidden beaches. A Lihue car rental on Turo gives you the freedom to spend time on your own terms, from a Lihue Airport car rental pickup straight to the canyon, to a slow cruise through Hanapepe at golden hour.

Frequently asked questions about Kauai car rentals

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.

In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.

When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.

In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*

In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.

On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.

Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.

Learn how the loyalty bonus works

Is there long term car rental on Turo?

Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

See more about promotions & discounts

Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.

Can other people drive the car that I rented?

Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.

To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Kauai? 

The cost of car rental in Kauai can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rentals in Kauai, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What rental car types are there in Kauai?

Kauai's roads wind between coastal cliffs, canyon ridgelines, and one-lane bridges, so the right vehicle makes all the difference. Browse Turo for the best prices on a wide range of rental cars to book near Lihue Airport or across the island, including, but not limited to:


- SUV rental: A Toyota RAV4 or Jeep Grand Cherokee handles the winding climb to Waimea Canyon with room to spare for beach gear and luggage from the baggage claim area.


- Convertible rental: Drop the top on a Ford Mustang and let the salt air in as you cruise Kuhio Highway along the coconut coast.


- Truck rental: A Toyota Tacoma can help make transporting gear from one place to the next easy.


- Luxury car rental: Arrive at a south shore resort or wedding venue in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series, polished against a backdrop of Pacific blue.


- Sedan rental: A Honda Civic or Toyota Camry keeps things fuel-friendly and simple for daily drives around Lihue or Kapa'a.


- Minivan rental: Families loaded with snorkel gear, car seats, and coolers will love the space of a Chrysler Pacifica for long days between beaches.

* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.

For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.